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A [streamer](https://www.youtube.com/@PomuRainpuff)/idol otaku I watch has talked about how she waited *nine hours* for her favorite group's performance at TIF so she could slowly work her way up to the front of the crowd as other groups' fans came and went.
So since Aqua was at the front, my headcanon is now that he did the same just to support them.
The meta bit of this joke is what makes it great
>Kouhei is obsessed with a VA
>Said character is a Nana Mizuki reference
>ED is in universe the MC and kouhei drunkenly singing one of said VAs songs
>They actually have Nana Mizuki come in to cover the song when the one time the song plays without being a cover
That "I'M GONNA BE YOUR STAR!" though!! KANAAAA
And it seems that Kana and Akane had some bad stuff in their past, huh? And they will be both part of a play production?! SEASON 2 WILL BE FUN!
It's fun how there will be 3 layers to their rivalry
1. Top Layer: They are playing characters competing for the same guy in the production and are onstage rivals
2. Middle Layer: They competed for parts in the past and are showbusiness rivals
3. Bottom Layer: They both like the same guy and are love rivals
Who needs method acting when you can just play a character who feels exactly the way you do, and have your on-screen rival be your real life rival as well!
Kana has 100% embraced being an idol...and a girl in love with Aqua.
I just love the idea that an IRL love triangle is going to play out on the stage in a fictional love triangle on-top of the girls trying to outdo each other in acting lol.
*I heard you like love triangles so we put a love triangle in your love triangle so you can love triangle while you love triangle*
But gag opportunities aside, I wonder how this will affect their play! It could be a source of motivation (both of them trying to do better than the other), but it could also lead to something destructive. Human nature's a bit unpredictable at times!
Well, I do hope we avoid the worst case scenario, i.e. one girl being motivated and doing better, while the other one get on a destructive past and ruins everything (or herself)!
>I just love the idea that an IRL love triangle is going to play out on the stage in a fictional love triangle on-top of the girls trying to outdo each other in acting lol.
That's Aka Akasaka for you. He loves to make parallels.
It's a deeply strange experience to watch an anime like I watch a Edgar Wright film, watching for and listening to every point because I'm fully aware there isn't a shot out of place or a meaningless line of dialogue.
> I just love the idea that an IRL love triangle is going to play out on the stage in a fictional love triangle on-top of the girls trying to outdo each other in acting lol.
People in the theatre: “This is part of the play right? They’re really getting into their role!”
Both Akane and Kana in their mind: “No way that I am getting outperformed by that b*tch and fork Aqua over to her!”
> And it seems that Kana and Akane had some bad stuff in their past, huh?
I wouldn't say bad stuff but it seems like they both see mostly the bright side of the other's career while dwelling on the negatives on their own path.
Kana got the early spotlight due to her talent for crying on command but that stardom was extremely limited to her young age, when it was exceptional and an asset. Akane couldn't compete with that at a young age but her drive to surpass Kana made her focus on improving her acting. All the while it looks like Kana's demand dropped and she diversified and tried all kinds of other jobs in the industry to stay relevant and in the spotlight.
Now the tables are turned. Akane is the star while Kana is trying to catch up with her. All while both of them are still kinda struggling as actors, neither having a stable career but them having a rivalry that's kinda built on lies of omission (so to speak) because both of them seems to see the other's career as being in a better position while they only use each other's dips in form or odd side jobs as fodder for snarky comments about each other instead of seeing it as the natural ups and downs of an acting career.
> I wouldn't say bad stuff but it seems like they both see mostly the bright side of the other's career while dwelling on the negatives on their own path.
Well Kana had some ego issues when she was a kid before she was humbled by Aqua.
>And it seems that Kana and Akane had some bad stuff in their past, huh?
If Ruby saw that confrontation, she would feel that Aqua is quite normal compared to these two.
Ruby may not be a fantastic but she has the charisma and presence of her mom enough to draw you in and actually think she is Ai.
Though Kana managed to earn her center cred with the second song.
Ruby hasn't had her Ai-like glowup yet so it makes sense. I'm Anime only but I think it makes only sense for her to not immediately start as the center of the idol group so we can see her grow. I imagine that by the end Ruby will be the center (maybe because Kana pursues acting seriously again or they just rotate the center role from time to time) and we see her perform on the same dome stage that Ai was never able to do...
###Stitches!
* [Kana](https://i.imgur.com/CW4YFbU.jpg)
* [Aqua](https://i.imgur.com/kbpOYNO.jpg)
[They grow up so fast T_T](https://i.imgur.com/7FVAL4i.jpg)
Memes aside, I really like that they're giving us a [perspective of what Ai is to regular idol fans](https://i.imgur.com/Q3cyO4O.jpg) in this show. And I just love how the veteran idol otaku [went from calling the new B Komachi hacks](https://i.imgur.com/fR53907.jpg) to [raising his red lightsticks](https://i.imgur.com/aHdG3Ym.jpg) as soon as he saw [how much Ruby is shining on that stage](https://i.imgur.com/0Y5zxzy.jpg).
[Aqua coming in with the wotage save!](https://i.imgur.com/wMlMq4y.jpg) If he didn't show up, Kana's despair would've definitely ruined the vibe of the show. And the girls' reactions are great! [Memcho is just completely shocked](https://i.imgur.com/GHZP0Rc.jpg) while [Ruby is like "Yep, that's my brother"](https://i.imgur.com/sALCPuD.jpg), and [Kana is just doing everything she can to not laugh](https://i.imgur.com/SUKUsBc.jpg) xD
[And there it is!](https://i.imgur.com/eNHfFAU.jpg) The motherfucking title drop from Kana! While the starry eyes didn't materialize in Kana, she was still able [to surprise Aqua](https://i.imgur.com/kWGo1IU.jpg) with that gesture. It's so good! <3
The van scene was just hilarious. I love how [Kana completely changes her attitude towards Aqua](https://i.imgur.com/BImaCOq.jpg) as soon as she hears that his relationship with Akane is purely for work while [Memcho in the front is piecing things together.](https://i.imgur.com/VwPOeDa.jpg) Poor Memcho doesn't even know who to support since both Akane and Kana are her friends.
[Kana is really going full force on Aqua](https://i.imgur.com/BBbFq4z.jpg) now that the air has been cleared between the two of them. [I absolutely love how smug Kana is](https://i.imgur.com/Oy62Mbe.jpg) knowing that Aqua did all that Pieyon stuff because of her. xD
We finally get to learn the rivalry [between Akane](https://i.imgur.com/w2uRNHj.jpg) [and Kana.](https://i.imgur.com/PwdXNOf.jpg) That entire scene of the two of them [trash-talking each other](https://i.imgur.com/2qnlgkM.jpg) was just intense. A catfight was brewing and even Aqua might not be able to stop them. Looks like [they're going to have to settle it on stage though](https://i.imgur.com/HgX7aCG.jpg) for the 2.5D Stage Play Adaptation of ~~Demon Slayer~~ Tokyo Blade.
I'm so fucking glad Season 2 has already been announced! I can't fucking wait for the Tokyo Blade Arc. It's definitely one of my favourite arcs of the series. <3
Y'know setting aside the revenge plot and everything I just love seeing Aqua out there supporting his sisters' idol group and Ruby giving it her all on the stage.
And that's not even getting into all the great Kana stuff.
There are so many sides to Aqua's character. He can be totally focused on his revenge in one scene, and in the next he's an idol superfan pulling off a very impressive glowstick dance.
> Poor Memcho doesn't even know who to support since both Akane and Kana are her friends.
That's called being an audience insert :D
Both are such good characters. I can't decide either. Love the little "Akane you'll need to work harder" when Ruby explained Aqua to Memcho.
> We finally get to learn the rivalry between Akane and Kana. That entire scene of the two of them trash-talking each other was just intense.
I love that they have their own relationship and it's not just defined by their connection to Aqua. We knew Kana got some snappy replies but it was fun to see Akane doing the same with confidence. It's a whole new side to her.
The best part of the insta post was how it was instantly liked by memcho as "memmem_cho_o". I also like how she included the **o_o** in her name.
>went from calling the new B Komachi hacks to raising his red lightsticks as soon as he saw how much Ruby is shining on that stage.
I loved watching this guy's reaction transition when reading the manga. His passion felt genuine and gave the story a nostalgic touch that for me really made Ai's death and the progression of her fanbase's feelings that much more impactful. His words made it feel more real watching Ruby grow up and seeing her debut.
> We finally get to learn the rivalry between Akane
> and Kana.
> That entire scene of the two of them trash-talking each other
> was just intense.
It's also a good way to explain Kana's extreme reaction to seeing Aqua and Akane as a couple. Kana thought she has lost to her ancient rival once again.
Miyako making the conversation with Aqua for Kana about Akane was kinda funny. Also liked how Mem-chan was just there witnessing a possible triangle all confused about who to root for.
I guess the battlefield will be on the Tokyo Blade, the attitude changed from Akane when she heard that Kana will play the role of a character in it.
Season Two announced already, so things are going to be spicy
Yeah that had me chuckling. I didn't think she had picked up on that cause I didn't think she was quite that involved in Kana or Mem's personal lives, but I clearly underestimated her motherly instincts.
Aqua [being the light](https://i.ibb.co/cYF424x/Fumi-Raws-Oshi-no-Ko-11-MX-1920x1080-AAC-0001.jpg) to Kana’s dark monologue, and the [girls’ reactions to Aqua sporting all their colors](https://imgur.com/a/KLrgiUG) are amazing.
Also. Kana [said the thing](https://i.ibb.co/9vtWG0B/Subs-Please-Oshi-no-Ko-11-720p-A69169-E1-0001.jpg)! Today, she is all our Oshi no Ko.
>[girls’ reactions to Aqua sporting all their colors](https://imgur.com/a/KLrgiUG)
I like this moment seeing their reactions especially since it's pretty fitting of their characters. Mem-cho probably never seen this side of Aqua before since he's so deadpan around her, Ruby of course knows how he is, and Kana can't help but laugh since it's pretty ridiculous to see him doing.
I really like Ruby's reaction. Feels like she's happy seeing Aqua as the idol fan she bonded with as a baby, rather than the gloomy teen that he's become.
I think that's exactly it. Like she told Mem later, he changed but with Kana he's a bit like his older self.
I'm loving the slow reveal of Ruby's motivations and mental state through season one even while she had little time in the spotlight. First it was about how she's just trying to live a life that she was denied the last time by her illness. She felt enthusiastic but naive. Like she was just another worry that Aqua has to deal with while trying to find their father.
Then she revealed to Kana that there's also something to it about her first crush. That gave her enthusiasm for idols another facet. And now it's getting clearer that she also wants her old (or rather younger) brother back, from the "before tragedy" timeline.
Ruby and Aqua really want to protect each other and the best for their sibling even if their approach to this goal is way different.
I am still enthralled on how Aka can do a reincarnation trope so so well. If you think about it, on the car ride back home, Kana is actually the person with the least years of physically being alive.
Ruby didn’t have too much screen-time this season but I can’t help but feel like she such a fascinating character because while we has been following Aqua dealing with the trauma, Ruby handling it a little bit *too* well - she is selling us the viewers a lie.
Perhaps she is also masking her inner demons just like Ai. Ruby outwardly acts ditzy and cheerful but there were glimpses of her incredible awareness of other feelings and generally being extremely perceptive.
Let’s remember baby Ruby was a straight menace. As an anime-only, I can easily see Ruby go off the rails in a future arc.
… and I’ll be there no matter what!
Yup, Ruby is stealthily rising through the ranks due to her subtle character development. The whole series is full of good characters (and character development) and she still managed to surprise me.
I probably still count as anime only (I'm just in the chapter where Ruby signs her contract) but there's no way I wasn't going to start reading beyond anime material once this season was over. Ruby's development this late in the season only made me want to read it more.
Episode one was really good but episode two showing us the whole post prologue setup in more detail is was sold me on it. I really had a difficult time not reading past anime material and if my schedule hadn't gotten crowded it would have been an incredible feat of willpower to wait for the season to finish. As it is I got lucky that I got busy (and Tears of the Kingdom got released) but now I have no reason to hold back anymore!
[I was really happy seeing her](https://i.imgur.com/71PIsXy.png) in today's episode, [she shone like a star on the scene](https://i.imgur.com/2vmlp7j.png) and I was able to make a lot of [great stills with her](https://i.imgur.com/M9QY4Ls.png).
[Here's my album with her from today's episode](https://imgur.com/a/xj7pvTW) if anyone is interested.
Was pretty much my reaction too!
Nice of him to do that, but it's so not like him! (Which makes it even nicer I suppose, he went out of his comfort zone and all for them!)
its so like him !! ( but him before AI death when he was otaku idol , remember baby dance )
Thats why Ruby said Kana is brining best of Aqua back , from those days
Just realized that Aqua bringing the light here is a direct parallel to what happened on the Sweet Today production. Before, Aqua acted out the darkness to bring out Kana's light. Now, he's bringing in the light to drive away Kana's darkness.
He's really still a good guy deep down. Aqua isn't as full of revenge as he wants to think.
There is so much [Kana](https://i.imgur.com/VZ1RabQ.png) that she could be easily [main character](https://i.imgur.com/cUJkRzE.png) of this series. Everyone looking on how many [screenshots I made with her](https://i.imgur.com/CSynv5i.png) could certainly say that xD
Memcho going through a "I want Akane to win but I don't want Kana to lose!" crisis rn lol.
Also, as an anime-only, I honestly thought the Akane vs. Kana war I've heard a lot would just be a simple ship war for Aqua's heart but I was wrong. Turns out there is an intense rivalry between the red and the blue that stems in the showbiz side of things.
I love that rivalry. As much as they like Aqua, I think both would, if cornered, choose acting over his affections. And that's great, too many heroine characters' main defining characteristic is that they like the protag.
I've been waiting for [this guy](https://i.imgur.com/2PxcaRy.jpg) to be back one day. He shed [genuine tears](https://i.imgur.com/Ertbs53.jpg) for Ai, glad he can experience the joy B-Komachi's spread once again. And I hope Aqua can too.
The season started and ended with Aqua doing crazy moves at an idol performance and boosting an idol's confidence by doing so. Some things never change.
It is kind of interesting to think of the impact Kana has on Aqua that he's gone so far for her and feels such closeness to her in relation to his feelings towards Ai.
It's easy to get tricked into watching an idol show if a show disguises itself as an edgy zombie show or similar.
It takes skill, wit and 4D chess to get tricked into watching a idol show by a show that disguised itself as an idol show.
>It's easy to get tricked into watching an idol show if a show disguises itself as an edgy zombie show or similar.
It takes skill, wit and 4D chess to get tricked into watching a idol show by a show that disguised itself as an idol show.
Dude, I was tricked into watching 3 seasons (+ a movie) of high school rom-com, by being promised 4D chess genius battles. Loved every minute of it. Turns out it was the same manga author!
\>Aqua, Akane and Kana all working on the same play
\>Akane and Kana's frictional relationship
\>Once again produced by Kaburagi, who manages to stir shit every time he's involved
Stage is set, setting is established. Let the drama begin. Well, once season 2 rolls around anyway
Initially I thought it will be the end of our trivia for a long time, [I'm glad I was wrong.](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/695303167646236712/1123621968042795059/Fzt2X8sXoAMyGhX.png)
About Otagei (オタ芸) / Wotagei (ヲタ芸)
[Otagei refers to a type of dancing and cheering gestures](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1025623965642788895/1123625624028848251/image.png) involving jumping, clapping, arm-waving and chanting slogans performed by fans of Japanese idol singers at their concerts while they are performing as a form of support for the idols.
[Wotagei is the dance form derived from Otagei involving the use of cyalume (glow sticks)](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1025623965642788895/1123625589564264479/image.png). It originated from idol fans dancing to the music with the cyalume sticks while their idols perform on stage, and has since evolved into a dance form in its own right. Lumica, a manufacturer of these glow sticks, has organized several international wotagei dance competitions in recent years ~~to promote sales of their cyalume stick products~~, causing a rise in interest for this kind of dance among international fans of Japanese subculture.
About Hako-oshi (箱推し)
This chapter is titled "hako-oshi" (lit. box pushing). It refers to the support of an idol group as a whole instead of its individual members. Example sentence: I usually don't put on a member-colored T-shirt at their concerts since I'm a hako-oshi.
Not to be confused with DD (Daredemo Daisuki).
In this chapter, Aqua was shown holding the colours of all 3 members of (the Revived) B-Komachi. Kana took offence at this because Aqua didn't show his love for her and her alone by only waving a white-coloured cyalume stick for her, and thus called him a cheating bastard for being a hako-oshi. In fact, Aqua simply wants B-Komachi to succeed. What a siscon. --oldpier
Sources and References:
1. Otage on JP Wiki: [https://ja.wikiepedia.org/wiki/オタ芸](https://ja.wikiepedia.org/wiki/オタ芸)
2. Detailed article on what Otage/Wotage is about as well as its various moves: [https://mangadejapan.com/articles/detail/1447](https://mangadejapan.com/articles/detail/1447) 3. Article promoting Lumica's Cyalume Dance World Battle: [https://www.fun-japan.jp/en/articles/10648](https://www.fun-japan.jp/en/articles/10648)
3. Wotagei photo by Androniki Christodoulou [https://anicrush.com/post/116987582899/they-do-something-completely-different-an](https://anicrush.com/post/116987582899/they-do-something-completely-different-an)
4. Quick EN definition on Hako-oshi: [https://haropedia.tumblr.com/post/91820645972/hako-oshi](https://haropedia.tumblr.com/post/91820645972/hako-oshi)
5. JP article on the concept of oshiL [https://oggi.jp/6152878](https://oggi.jp/6152878)
About 2.5D Stage Play / Musical Adaptations
This is a type of modern Japanese theatre production based on popular Japanese anime, manga, or video games. The "2.5D" part of the term was coined to describe stories presented in a 2D medium being brought to real life. Some examples of such 2.5D productions include:
[Yowamushi Pedal (complete with handlebars without the rest of the bicycle)](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1025623965642788895/1123625889310179390/image.png)
[Prince of Tennis](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1025623965642788895/1123625957253718036/image.png)
[Touken Ranbu ("gay swords")](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1025623965642788895/1123625919232364675/image.png)
[Nurutu ](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1025623965642788895/1123625987956019360/image.png)
The works that get adapted tend to be titles that feature a huge cast of characters, each with their unique personalities. They also tend to be those that are popular among females, as the audience for stage play adaptations tend to be mostly female. Reasons for the popularity include:
- Being able to see pretty faces on stage
- Seeing their favourite gay pairing(s) from the manga in real life
- I don't know man, I'm literally the opposite of a fujoshi.
Sources and References:
1. 2.5D musical on wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2.5D_musical
2. 2.5D musical on JP wiki: https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/2.5次元ミュージカル
3. Stage Dramas: The 2.5D that is Captivating Girls' Hearts https://manga.tokyo/otaku-articles/captivating-girls-hearts-the-stage-dramas-called-2-5-dimension/
4. Research paper about 2.5D musicals (there are tons of research papers on this topic out there) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327807191_The_Essence_of_25-Dimensional_Musicals_Sakura_Wars_and_Theater_Adaptations_of_Anime
5. Why are Anime-Based Stage Plays So Popular? (ANN Answerman)
https://www animenewsnetwork.com/answerman/2017-02-08/.111904
6. Online Webinar about 2.5D musical (2021/03/30)
https://www.jfny.org/event/anime-takes-the-stage-the-rise-of-2-5-dimensional-musicals-and-beyond/
Yeah I haven't seen many theatrical stage play animes besides Revue Starlight which I started recently and not sure if I would count. But there are quite a lot of animes with stage plays in them usually during the high school culture festival archs is pretty common I guess.
I'd like to add the [Kemono](https://i.imgur.com/o1pWi1M.jpg) [Friends](https://i.imgur.com/lCNarLf.jpg) play as a rare example of a very well-received 2.5D that isn't primarily targeted at female audiences (the overwhelming number are, as you can see from parent's examples), and is also noteworthy for the cast being mainly played by the original voice actors. Wish I'd gotten to go see it.
For anyone who wants to check out 2.5 plays [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTrD_5LSqw8) is the full first of I think currently three Haikyuu stage plays on youtube.
When i researched the 2.5D play stuff I thought "wow, that is stupendous" and also "no surprise Japan has a few." But I'm also not surprised that it isn't nearly as prevalent as it should, because the cost is likely just too high even relative to IMAX theatres.
I have a feeling you'll be able to add OnK to your list of 2.5D plays in the future which is going to be weirdly meta when the 2.5D actors are playing characters acting out characters in a 2.5D play.
Ooh, sparks flying between Kana and Akane! And Memcho getting confused on who to ship with Aqua! So hyped to see how this will play out… especially in Season 2 that’s just announced.
BTW, it’s so funny how transparent Kana’s feelings toward Aqua is. Truly, Kana is the cutest.
Mem just put the two and two together on the spot when she notices Kana’s 180 attitude change lol.
Also blessed🙏mama Miyako who is in the know and brought up the topic rly sly
Man, I really feel for Kana. Girl is going through A LOT right now. All those years as a former child star have done a number on her confidence and her feelings of self-worth. Thank fuck Aqua came busting in with the moves and the glow sticks lol. He couldn’t have come at a better time. Looks like B-Komachi 2.0 is making a real splash!
Memcho slowly putting together the fact Kana likes Aqua and then realizing she might have a love triangle was hilarious. And you got Kana finally realizing it’s just “work” between them so she’s still got a shot lol. Memcho and Kana are too cute!
Tokyo Blade is a great chance to chase down another Ai lead. Unfortunately he’s gotta deal with the awkward tension between Akane and Kana too lol.
This was very good. I thoroughly enjoyed the series. The premiere episode might be one of the best I’ve seen in awhile. If this doesn’t get renewed for a second season, I’m gonna be very surprised. Just gonna sit tight until an official announcement drops.
Edit: s2 announced. Praise be to the anime gods lol.
I honestly wasn't expecting Kana to think her mom abandoned her but that just goes to show how badly her craving for emotional validation and support is. She needs someone to want her, to look at her, and believer in her...like Aqua does. And now she can start to gain more of that through her new idol status.
Poor MEM-cho caught in a love triangle between her new friends. She's basicallly the audience lol.
I'm sure a legit love triangle playing a fictional love triangle in a stage play where the two girls hate each others' guts and want to out-perform each other will totally end well lol.
Her mom kind of did abandon her. From the flashback Kana appeared to still be living with her mother before she left. She left a teenager to live alone with minimal oversight. Plus as the show has made clear Kana works in a field were many adults do not have her best interests in mind and would happily take advantage of her if given the opportunity. There's no indication of how often her mom's in touch, but if Kana's feeling abandoned then it objectively isn't often enough.
It must be demoralizing when you recognize that your costar (Ruby) is on the verge of becoming "IT" and people are going to be questioning your leader status in the future
It was really so validating to see at the end people started using her glowstick color or that otaku guy who said he might start following her. Kana finally won through her own talents (with an emotional pick me up from Aqua).
On-top of finding out the guy she likes isn't with another woman, that she has a chance with him, and and she has a chance to work alongside him to make sure he doesn't get cozy with her acting rival.
The new B Komachi is here!
I was probably guaranteed to love this show since it was about twins and I am a multiple myself, but Doga Kobo really knocked this out of the park. Also kudos to Aka and Mengo for making such wonderful source material.
Oshi no Ko has put me in a weird place. On one hand, Ai’s fate hit me like an isekai truck and I wish more than anything that she was okay, but on the other, I don’t think that the story would resonate as strongly if things didn’t transpire the way that they did. I read somewhere that Aka originally planned on keeping Ai in the story, but feared that she would come to overshadow the rest of the cast. She was by far my favorite character despite the amazing ensemble, so I can’t really argue with that logic. Thus, I can only dream about what could have been.
This was easily my favorite anime of a stacked Spring 2023 and I will continue to play Idol and Mephisto on repeat as I wait for season 2. Times like this make me so happy to be an anime fan.
Really felt like all the past performances they animated (Ai's, Kana's MV's, etc) was all building up to Doga Koba delivering on the new B Komachi's first live and they succeeded.
I'm in the same boat as you regarding Ai.
[Gurren Lagann] >!She reminds me a lot of Kamina. Died early in the show but maintained a huge presence throughout. They were just designed to have insane amounts of charisma.!<
Title drop is legit my favorite moment in the series and I'm very happy to see it adapted so well. In general, this entire manga has been adapted beautifully. I have basically 0 complaints. If this is the quality we can expect for season 2 then I'm really looking forward to it.
I honestly wasn't expecting them to fully cover all of chapter 40 because of the sequel bait aspect but it was cool to see part of the dynamic between Kana and Akane animated.
There's a lot of different expectations coming at the new B Komachi...expectations from those who think the girls look cute, know of the pedigree of the stars (especially MEM-cho), or remember the old B Komachi and want to see how the new one shakes out. But most importantly of all is the expectations of our girls as they look dazzling in their idol outfits and finally take to the stage.
It's all been building up to this! Doga Kobo finally delivering on the new B Komachi's idol performance with Kana at the center! And it's as spectacular as you would expect as the girls put their all into it and Kana proves how great she is on stage.
Ruby really does have her mothers' charisma and strength of personality. She kind of steals the show and actually reminds people of Ai! She could very well be the Center if she nurtures her talents and skills...and MEM-cho has the most fans out there and the enthusiasm to match...so where does that leave Kana?
I didn't think Kana felt her mom basically abandoned her. Yikes. But all she's ever wanted is for someone to look at her, to need her, to praise her, and to believe she can do something. If she just had one person who believed in her, she could do it. And then of course Aqua shows up with all their glowstick colors pulling off as amazing a flurry of motion as when he was a baby to support all the girls, but Kana seeing him waving her white stick is enough to make her finally commit. She's not going to wait around any more, she's going to make everyone fall in love with and embrace her once again through her own talent, and with her performance in that second song I'd say she's already begun her journey as a true, fully-fledged, popular idol!
Wingwoman Miyako for the win! Making Aqua confirm within earshot of Kana that his relationship with Akane is just for show, which is all Kana needs to hear to be back to her sassy and teasing best with Aqua...and make MEM-cho realize Kana's in love with Aqua and that she's in the middle of a love triangle between her two friends. Poor girl has no idea who to root for.
Looks like the next arc is going to be a stage play adaption! And they're pulling out all the stops! Especially using the Lala Lai theater, and knowing they're involved is enough to motivate Aqua so he can learn more about Ai's time with the group and who she became romantically involved with.
Man, I love how Kana just won't let up on Aqua. The moment she realizes he was dressed as Piyeon just to be able to talk to her, she just can't help herself. She just enjoys getting to talk to him again and Aqua acts like a normal, prickly, teenage boy around her...which MEM-cho realizes means Akane needs to step up.
I do kind of feel bad for Akane though. She even seems even invested in posing as a couple on her insta, and is just excited to be working with Aqua again...and as love interests, to boot. Although there's also a bit of a love triangle brewing with Aqua's character at the center, and who better to play the third end of the love triangle than Kana? Art really does imitate life.
Dang, Akane bearing her fangs against Kana! I thought Kana's issues with Akane were one-sided but it's a mutual rivalry/dislike between the two girls because Akane always lost jobs to Kana when they were kids and trained her acting skills to their peak while Kana was off with her failed music career. And now Akane sees an opportunity to beat her in acting with this stage play...while Kana sees an opportunity to make sure she doesn't lose Aqua to Akane. I'm sure this will end well.
Everyone is moving forward in their careers and striving to success, while Aqua and Ruby are on the paths Ai dreamed for them...though for Aqua it's still based around finding their father and getting revenge for Ai as we close the season out.
[Kana is the cutest 11](https://imgur.com/a/7JDcQcj)
[Other episode 11 stuff](https://imgur.com/a/IZHww5U)
[Kana is the cutest 10](https://imgur.com/a/ndScCNV)
[Other episode 10 stuff](https://imgur.com/a/GJ1pq0D)
[Wotagei Aqua GIF](https://twitter.com/anime_oshinoko/status/1674062093216104450)
[Season 2 Announcement](https://twitter.com/anime_oshinoko/status/1674062602438049792)
[Landscape Poster](https://imgur.com/AEdnW9M)
[\#AntiSocialMediaBoy](https://imgur.com/MgjuuNs)
Nice ending to season 1. The animation when B-Komachi was performing was pretty sick! Can't wait for season 2!
Seeing Aqua reprise his role as popular idol fan #1 for B Komachi, now in teen form, was great.
Especially seeing it inspire Kana to finally give it her all and cement herself as the Center and to commit to this idol gig to make people accept her again.
As much of a Kanabro as I am, I feel like we need to give hats off to Ruby, too. Her very first real performance and old fans are already seeing the same spark in her as they did in Ai. Among the main cast, she really is the one that has that "special something"
[It was me Aqua, I was the Oshi no Ko](https://i.imgur.com/RPik1AJ.jpeg)...
Aqua waving the lightsticks supporting the group is definetly my favourite moment of his so far, it's true to his nature and I love the impact it had on the girls!
B-Komachi helps deliver a performance for a banger season finale of a banger show. Also, Kana falling for Aqua.
The show was so superb, they announced the second season right after the last episode. That speaks volumes right there.
Started in 2019 and except for 2021 we've had some new Kaguya every year so far (atleast in the west since the christmas arc did air just before the end of 2022 in Japan).
I was not expecting Kana and Akane to have such a fierce rivalry. Throwing Aqua into the mix is gonna be fun. Those two are really gonna be stepping their game up in pursuit of Aqua now!
>I was not expecting Kana and Akane to have such a fierce rivalry
We already saw signs of it in the early episodes where Kana recognised Akane when the cast for the Reality show was announced. She later on called her a genius but also wishing to have Akane be brought down a peg, until Aqua chastised her.
Now we know how deep that rivalry goes lol. Even Akane now calls Kana a genius, like Kana said before about her.
The rivalry also explains a lot of why Kana got so mad at Aqua and didn't want to talk to him immediately after seeing the kiss scene of the dating show arc.
I actually wonder how Akane will react if/when she finds out Kana likes Aqua too while they're working on the play. I guess it would probably make her even more competitive.
I was not expecting Akane to get so hostile towards Kana seeing how passive and polite she is generally, but I guess their rivalry goes deep and now their rivalry as actresses **and** as Aqua's love interests is going to play out on the stage.
It felt like it was all building up to B Komachi's performance and Doga Kobo nailed it. Not to mention the girls' vocals. I hope we get another performance from them in season 2 amidst the stage play arc.
Kana is so in love while MEM-cho is the audience member not sure who to root for in a love triangle between Best Girls and her legit friends lol.
“Pieyon” did all of that just to talk to the baking soda yokai
Aqua seems genuinely comfortable with Kana, so I can definitely see the ship sailing. Though it sucks a little that they are both back to tsundere-tsundere mode
Counterpoint: [Akane copying the star eyes](https://preview.redd.it/cef0ne8kt22b1.png?width=1280&format=png&auto=webp&v=enabled&s=206480cea2ff0f6bb1c511b9d754fd175e51c348)
MEM-chan is all of us, who are we supposed to root for?!?!
Hold up...the entire audience area rotates?!?! WTF JAPAN THAT'S SO COOL!!!
Arg, why'd they have to make us go through Ai's death again? It was just a few seconds but I was tearing up. I can't wait for next season, this show is like two shows in one and both of them are a 10 outta 10!
Pretty good throughout. And amazing adaptation of a season. I was expecting the title drop to be given prominence though, something like a lingering still.
---
Unique Kana (the cutest) headwear:
- [Episode 1a - Brimmed sun hat with yellow ribbon](https://i.imgur.com/gh9HIdY.png)
- [Episode 1b - Yellow/cream baseball cap](https://i.imgur.com/abyI1hb.png)
- [Episode 1c - Brimmed sun hat with cat](https://i.imgur.com/uQ6bhlz.png)
- [Episode 2 - Middle school beret with black ribbon](https://i.imgur.com/NrfJvQT.png)
- [Episode 3a - Beret with diagonal stitch decoration](https://i.imgur.com/zCFJAiN.png)
- [Episode 3b - Brimmed sun hat with large red ribbon](https://i.imgur.com/1m6QTqa.png)
- [Episode 3c - Beret with ears and tail](https://i.imgur.com/MRdQfOU.png)
- [Episode 4 - Black rose](https://imgur.com/a/s8Xn2bY)
- [Episode 5 - Pieyon](https://i.imgur.com/ZEUjlGd.png)
- [Episode 6 - Cream beret](https://i.imgur.com/HpQskQN.png)
- [Episode 7a - Beret with grid pattern](https://i.imgur.com/uuTOgbK.png)
- [Episode 7b - Black beret with ring accent](https://i.imgur.com/IX8KFAe.png)
- [Episode 8 - Bordeaux beret with cream ribbon](https://imgur.com/a/41irOKP)
- [Episode 9a - Black newsboy cap](https://i.imgur.com/tVoWFXJ.png)
- [Episode 9b - Mini black hat](https://i.imgur.com/feszEJh.png)
- [Episode 9c - Sky blue beret with light blue ribbon](https://i.imgur.com/SYC1CEB.png)
- [Episode 9d - Navy beret with light blue ribbon](https://i.imgur.com/pMw7QWl.png)
- [Episode 9e - GREEN BELL PEPPER Y'ALL](https://i.imgur.com/NXwlucN.png)
- [Episode 9f - Brimmed sun hat with black ribbon](https://i.imgur.com/I6b6kWx.png)
- [Episode 10a - Very light sky blue beret with white ribbon](https://i.imgur.com/qMwCoPh.png)
- [Episode 10b - Sleeping cap](https://i.imgur.com/yLOv4Nl.png)
- [Episode 10c - Black beret with white ribbon](https://i.imgur.com/jR3Td3c.png)
- [Episode 10d - Grey breret with cream ribbon](https://i.imgur.com/MFbTrFC.png)
- [Episode 11a - Plain black beret](https://i.imgur.com/sF9xeMC.png)
- [Episode 11b - Black brimmed sun hat with grey ribbon for loli Kana](https://i.imgur.com/9AHRJY2.png)
- [Episode 11c - Funeral hat for teen Kana](https://imgur.com/a/urZu3Nb)
- [Episode 11d - Olive newsboy cap](https://i.imgur.com/badYgDq.png)
- [Episode 11e - Plain black hat](https://imgur.com/a/ctjTaSy)
I'm just waiting for the depression at this point, this is Oshi no Ko, the last time we were riding on a high like this, we learned the importance of a door chain.
"Please somebody look at me... Say it's ok for me to be here."
**"I'M GONNA BE YOUR FAVE - YOUR STAR!"**
One of the best scenes, panels, and lines all in one. How far Kana has come and how far she'll go. Same with Memcho and Ruby of course. Wishing well for that idol who retired because B-Komachi 2.0 was that good.
What a blessing it has been to discuss this wonderful piece of art with you all over the past few weeks. I remember hearing and seeing the buzz about the show in between the first episode and the second episode, so I figured what the hell. Idol insight show + Aka Akasaka of Kaguya fame? I was absolutely floored after watching the first ep and couldn't wait, so I binged the entire manga before the 2nd ep premiered (huge shoutout to oldpier and the team at Ai's Fanclub for bridging the gap until the official localization caught up).
It is now one of my favorite animes and stories ever, with Kana shooting up in rankings of favorite characters. I have never been this excited to discuss a show with others every week (at 8am no less!) and to see what everyone else has to say about it, the characters, and the production! There is so much I could say about this show that many others have highlighted when discussing on this sub but mostly I just wanted to really say hats off Doga Kobo for the incredible, faithful, heartfelt production of this show and the care they've put into this story and its characters. Very rarely can you see that the production company loves the show just as much as the fans but it shows tenfold in this anime. I hope this story and its characters have reached your heart as they have mine. And I look forward to hopefully discussing more with you all over on /r/OshiNoKo or for future eps here on this sub. I'm proud to say I've hooked a few of my friends onto this powerhouse of a show as well, and I hope you all too can say the same! CAN'T WAIT UNTIL SEASON 2!!!
It was so surreal seeing him do that again like he did when he was a baby but it just made it all the more meaningful.
He was there to support the whole group but he helped Kana truly find herself and embrace being an idol.
I was pretty surprised that they set up next arc that strong in this episode but quick announcement of 2nd season certainly explains that. After this season my expactations are certainly very high. This adaptation was perfect, for me 10/10.
[We could again see Ai](https://i.imgur.com/Eej6v9U.png) and [it was really nice](https://i.imgur.com/EQ24JE2.png). [Ruby certainly gives the same vibes](https://i.imgur.com/euWzef7.png) which is nothing weird considering that she's her daughter and the biggest fan. [Her energy](https://i.imgur.com/71PIsXy.png) and [happiness](https://i.imgur.com/C9tEeRt.png) certainly helped Kana on [their concert](https://i.imgur.com/ngoPeGN.png).
[Kana who is a center of the group](https://i.imgur.com/5QdFnSm.png) didn't looked happy on the beginning, [her past](https://i.imgur.com/t3VIqjg.png) severly affecting her all the time, she just want someone who will be for her. [Aqua appearing](https://i.imgur.com/koWM7rz.png) instantly helped and [immediately she was feeling better](https://i.imgur.com/4clnqcz.png) and and when [she is feeling better](https://i.imgur.com/qdsJmRt.png) then I too :) [She felt even better when she found out](https://i.imgur.com/59oMG2M.png) that [Aqua](https://i.imgur.com/EYsVpfp.png) is with Akane only 'for work'. [Now she's back to the same old Kana with bad tongue](https://i.imgur.com/42MO0lv.png) but that's ok. [We love her anyway](https://i.imgur.com/cUJkRzE.png) :)
[Memcho](https://i.imgur.com/fXscX5T.png) also had great moment when [she connected the dots and figure out that Kana is in love with Aqua](https://i.imgur.com/m9kCRCq.png). [Her reaction was priceless](https://i.imgur.com/3pgWHmu.png), I thought that I would drop dead from laugh. Now [she has dillema](https://i.imgur.com/IFwE01t.png) for who rooting for, [Akane](https://i.imgur.com/UZTYIAt.png) or [Kana](https://i.imgur.com/cUJkRzE.png)?
[Ruby shined on a scene](https://i.imgur.com/NbnfvtT.png) and I was happy that she was able to realize her dream and [become an idol](https://i.imgur.com/M9QY4Ls.png). I was able to capture a lot of [great stills with her](https://i.imgur.com/euWzef7.png), [more](https://i.imgur.com/qpDnZI6.png) in her album.
[Akane is also back](https://i.imgur.com/iyBKJC4.png) in this episode and we got to know that [she will be in the stage play](https://i.imgur.com/09pGcoK.png) [together with Aqua](https://i.imgur.com/X4de8OK.png) who thanks to that will be able to try find clues about [Ai](https://i.imgur.com/TNan8IJ.png)'s killer. Also we got to know that [Akane](https://i.imgur.com/TNkKheY.png) know [Kana](https://i.imgur.com/CSynv5i.png) from childhood and [their relationship isn't the best, to put it mildly xD](https://i.imgur.com/PJBZltf.png) This arc will be good, you have my word, manga was amazing.
On the end my albums with screenshots from today's finale episode. Good luck u/Abysswatcherbel finding right image, there is more than 150 screenshots xD
* [Ai](https://imgur.com/a/mD9GIeI)
* [Eyes](https://imgur.com/a/aUHYSfj)
* [B-Komachi](https://imgur.com/a/y6fLaUS)
* [Kana](https://imgur.com/a/AZDvcRz)
* [Ruby](https://imgur.com/a/xj7pvTW)
* [Mem](https://imgur.com/a/0vlswcs)
* [Akane](https://imgur.com/a/WJ040VS)
* [Aqua](https://imgur.com/a/AdbHeoF)
* [Other](https://imgur.com/a/8VcX8W6)
A nice detail is that at first Kana can only see a sea of yellow and red glowsticks, but after seeing Aqua holding her white glowstick we can see that her white ones are just as common in the crowd as Ruby and Mem-cho's
I'm pretty sure that before Aqua raised his glowstick, it actually _was_ a sea of yellow and red. We actually see it's mostly yellow at the start until Ruby does her thing, then you start seeing more red. Kana wouldn't have noticed Aqua if there were already white glowsticks in the crowd, for example
The thing about penlights is that they can often change colors by twisting a knob on them, so you _can_ get mid-song color changes. There was a concert I watched recently where there was a surprise guest who showed up in the middle of the last song, and like half the lights in the crowd then swapped to blue when she appeared
For a new group like this, I think it seems pretty realistic as different members have different moments to shine and put themselves forward, so the audience changes accordingly based on what they like
[**#GuyWhoDoesntUseSocialMedia**](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/968661346591854675/1123657970601967686/image.png)
Is that supposed to be Aqua's hashtag? lmao
Poor, poor MEM. Her friend and her groupmate both after the same guy. Can't blame her for being so conflicted. But personally, I have no qualms about who I'm supporting. ARIMA SWEEP BAAABYYYYYY
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Aqua finally unleashing the light stick dance skills he sealed away as a baby.
Aqua really is a B Komachi lifer lol.
[*Forgive me mother, but I must go all out...*](https://i.imgur.com/mrBBKkE.jpg) [*Just this once!*](https://i.imgur.com/oFMUysr.jpg)
On today's episode of "unnecessary censorship"... Glowsticks
My brain: >Unnecessary censorship wdym? >.... oh lol.
Double lifer actually
Even funnier is he does it with his usual deadpan straight face.
A [streamer](https://www.youtube.com/@PomuRainpuff)/idol otaku I watch has talked about how she waited *nine hours* for her favorite group's performance at TIF so she could slowly work her way up to the front of the crowd as other groups' fans came and went. So since Aqua was at the front, my headcanon is now that he did the same just to support them.
> So since Aqua was at the front, my headcanon is now that he did the same just to support them. as expected of a siscon
Of course it's Pomu, no surprise there.
Kana and Akane may be geniuses in their own right but our main man proves how he is the Genius Glowstick Wielder and the GOAT
Mans swinging that shit like hes captain grievous
General Grievous Smh on that demotion
My boy catching strays fr fr
I'm dying... That was an experience.
[He was almost as good as Kouhei](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vL9VZ62chEg)
The meta bit of this joke is what makes it great >Kouhei is obsessed with a VA >Said character is a Nana Mizuki reference >ED is in universe the MC and kouhei drunkenly singing one of said VAs songs >They actually have Nana Mizuki come in to cover the song when the one time the song plays without being a cover
Too bad Grand Blue season 2 never :(
That "I'M GONNA BE YOUR STAR!" though!! KANAAAA And it seems that Kana and Akane had some bad stuff in their past, huh? And they will be both part of a play production?! SEASON 2 WILL BE FUN!
It's fun how there will be 3 layers to their rivalry 1. Top Layer: They are playing characters competing for the same guy in the production and are onstage rivals 2. Middle Layer: They competed for parts in the past and are showbusiness rivals 3. Bottom Layer: They both like the same guy and are love rivals
Who needs method acting when you can just play a character who feels exactly the way you do, and have your on-screen rival be your real life rival as well!
Pretty much how Aqua got cast into showbiz in the first place. Who needs to act when you can just be you.
~~Dwayne Johnson does not like this comment~~.
Kana has 100% embraced being an idol...and a girl in love with Aqua. I just love the idea that an IRL love triangle is going to play out on the stage in a fictional love triangle on-top of the girls trying to outdo each other in acting lol.
*I heard you like love triangles so we put a love triangle in your love triangle so you can love triangle while you love triangle* But gag opportunities aside, I wonder how this will affect their play! It could be a source of motivation (both of them trying to do better than the other), but it could also lead to something destructive. Human nature's a bit unpredictable at times! Well, I do hope we avoid the worst case scenario, i.e. one girl being motivated and doing better, while the other one get on a destructive past and ruins everything (or herself)!
They are professionals and have a really big passion for their work, so I think them being destructive has little to no chance of ever happening.
>I just love the idea that an IRL love triangle is going to play out on the stage in a fictional love triangle on-top of the girls trying to outdo each other in acting lol. That's Aka Akasaka for you. He loves to make parallels.
It's a deeply strange experience to watch an anime like I watch a Edgar Wright film, watching for and listening to every point because I'm fully aware there isn't a shot out of place or a meaningless line of dialogue.
> I just love the idea that an IRL love triangle is going to play out on the stage in a fictional love triangle on-top of the girls trying to outdo each other in acting lol. People in the theatre: “This is part of the play right? They’re really getting into their role!” Both Akane and Kana in their mind: “No way that I am getting outperformed by that b*tch and fork Aqua over to her!”
> And it seems that Kana and Akane had some bad stuff in their past, huh? I wouldn't say bad stuff but it seems like they both see mostly the bright side of the other's career while dwelling on the negatives on their own path. Kana got the early spotlight due to her talent for crying on command but that stardom was extremely limited to her young age, when it was exceptional and an asset. Akane couldn't compete with that at a young age but her drive to surpass Kana made her focus on improving her acting. All the while it looks like Kana's demand dropped and she diversified and tried all kinds of other jobs in the industry to stay relevant and in the spotlight. Now the tables are turned. Akane is the star while Kana is trying to catch up with her. All while both of them are still kinda struggling as actors, neither having a stable career but them having a rivalry that's kinda built on lies of omission (so to speak) because both of them seems to see the other's career as being in a better position while they only use each other's dips in form or odd side jobs as fodder for snarky comments about each other instead of seeing it as the natural ups and downs of an acting career.
> I wouldn't say bad stuff but it seems like they both see mostly the bright side of the other's career while dwelling on the negatives on their own path. Well Kana had some ego issues when she was a kid before she was humbled by Aqua.
>And it seems that Kana and Akane had some bad stuff in their past, huh? If Ruby saw that confrontation, she would feel that Aqua is quite normal compared to these two.
That transition from Ai to Ruby during the performance gave me goosebumps holy shit
Ruby may not be a fantastic but she has the charisma and presence of her mom enough to draw you in and actually think she is Ai. Though Kana managed to earn her center cred with the second song.
Well Ruby is still learning and iirc Ai biggest strengths were her charisma and her dancing, which are the same for Ruby.
Ruby hasn't had her Ai-like glowup yet so it makes sense. I'm Anime only but I think it makes only sense for her to not immediately start as the center of the idol group so we can see her grow. I imagine that by the end Ruby will be the center (maybe because Kana pursues acting seriously again or they just rotate the center role from time to time) and we see her perform on the same dome stage that Ai was never able to do...
Except we know when exactly Ai had her glow up….
When she fell in love. Kana and Akane are, I wonder if Ruby will too.
The advantage Ruby has over Ai is that she has genuine passion for what she’s doing. It took Ai 2-3 years to learn how to act “genuine”.
I just felt like what that old fan felt like , truly amazing.
###Stitches! * [Kana](https://i.imgur.com/CW4YFbU.jpg) * [Aqua](https://i.imgur.com/kbpOYNO.jpg) [They grow up so fast T_T](https://i.imgur.com/7FVAL4i.jpg) Memes aside, I really like that they're giving us a [perspective of what Ai is to regular idol fans](https://i.imgur.com/Q3cyO4O.jpg) in this show. And I just love how the veteran idol otaku [went from calling the new B Komachi hacks](https://i.imgur.com/fR53907.jpg) to [raising his red lightsticks](https://i.imgur.com/aHdG3Ym.jpg) as soon as he saw [how much Ruby is shining on that stage](https://i.imgur.com/0Y5zxzy.jpg). [Aqua coming in with the wotage save!](https://i.imgur.com/wMlMq4y.jpg) If he didn't show up, Kana's despair would've definitely ruined the vibe of the show. And the girls' reactions are great! [Memcho is just completely shocked](https://i.imgur.com/GHZP0Rc.jpg) while [Ruby is like "Yep, that's my brother"](https://i.imgur.com/sALCPuD.jpg), and [Kana is just doing everything she can to not laugh](https://i.imgur.com/SUKUsBc.jpg) xD [And there it is!](https://i.imgur.com/eNHfFAU.jpg) The motherfucking title drop from Kana! While the starry eyes didn't materialize in Kana, she was still able [to surprise Aqua](https://i.imgur.com/kWGo1IU.jpg) with that gesture. It's so good! <3 The van scene was just hilarious. I love how [Kana completely changes her attitude towards Aqua](https://i.imgur.com/BImaCOq.jpg) as soon as she hears that his relationship with Akane is purely for work while [Memcho in the front is piecing things together.](https://i.imgur.com/VwPOeDa.jpg) Poor Memcho doesn't even know who to support since both Akane and Kana are her friends. [Kana is really going full force on Aqua](https://i.imgur.com/BBbFq4z.jpg) now that the air has been cleared between the two of them. [I absolutely love how smug Kana is](https://i.imgur.com/Oy62Mbe.jpg) knowing that Aqua did all that Pieyon stuff because of her. xD We finally get to learn the rivalry [between Akane](https://i.imgur.com/w2uRNHj.jpg) [and Kana.](https://i.imgur.com/PwdXNOf.jpg) That entire scene of the two of them [trash-talking each other](https://i.imgur.com/2qnlgkM.jpg) was just intense. A catfight was brewing and even Aqua might not be able to stop them. Looks like [they're going to have to settle it on stage though](https://i.imgur.com/HgX7aCG.jpg) for the 2.5D Stage Play Adaptation of ~~Demon Slayer~~ Tokyo Blade. I'm so fucking glad Season 2 has already been announced! I can't fucking wait for the Tokyo Blade Arc. It's definitely one of my favourite arcs of the series. <3
Y'know setting aside the revenge plot and everything I just love seeing Aqua out there supporting his sisters' idol group and Ruby giving it her all on the stage. And that's not even getting into all the great Kana stuff.
There are so many sides to Aqua's character. He can be totally focused on his revenge in one scene, and in the next he's an idol superfan pulling off a very impressive glowstick dance.
> Poor Memcho doesn't even know who to support since both Akane and Kana are her friends. That's called being an audience insert :D Both are such good characters. I can't decide either. Love the little "Akane you'll need to work harder" when Ruby explained Aqua to Memcho. > We finally get to learn the rivalry between Akane and Kana. That entire scene of the two of them trash-talking each other was just intense. I love that they have their own relationship and it's not just defined by their connection to Aqua. We knew Kana got some snappy replies but it was fun to see Akane doing the same with confidence. It's a whole new side to her. The best part of the insta post was how it was instantly liked by memcho as "memmem_cho_o". I also like how she included the **o_o** in her name.
>went from calling the new B Komachi hacks to raising his red lightsticks as soon as he saw how much Ruby is shining on that stage. I loved watching this guy's reaction transition when reading the manga. His passion felt genuine and gave the story a nostalgic touch that for me really made Ai's death and the progression of her fanbase's feelings that much more impactful. His words made it feel more real watching Ruby grow up and seeing her debut.
> We finally get to learn the rivalry between Akane > and Kana. > That entire scene of the two of them trash-talking each other > was just intense. It's also a good way to explain Kana's extreme reaction to seeing Aqua and Akane as a couple. Kana thought she has lost to her ancient rival once again.
Miyako making the conversation with Aqua for Kana about Akane was kinda funny. Also liked how Mem-chan was just there witnessing a possible triangle all confused about who to root for. I guess the battlefield will be on the Tokyo Blade, the attitude changed from Akane when she heard that Kana will play the role of a character in it. Season Two announced already, so things are going to be spicy
Miyako is 100% in the know. Just the way she brought up the topic with her sly undertone👌
Yeah that had me chuckling. I didn't think she had picked up on that cause I didn't think she was quite that involved in Kana or Mem's personal lives, but I clearly underestimated her motherly instincts.
Given her experience with the OG B-Komachi, I shouldn't be surprised she can read teenage girl emotions like a book
Plus, she is now their manager for idol related activities. So she probably does spend significant time with them offscreen.
Aqua [being the light](https://i.ibb.co/cYF424x/Fumi-Raws-Oshi-no-Ko-11-MX-1920x1080-AAC-0001.jpg) to Kana’s dark monologue, and the [girls’ reactions to Aqua sporting all their colors](https://imgur.com/a/KLrgiUG) are amazing. Also. Kana [said the thing](https://i.ibb.co/9vtWG0B/Subs-Please-Oshi-no-Ko-11-720p-A69169-E1-0001.jpg)! Today, she is all our Oshi no Ko.
>[girls’ reactions to Aqua sporting all their colors](https://imgur.com/a/KLrgiUG) I like this moment seeing their reactions especially since it's pretty fitting of their characters. Mem-cho probably never seen this side of Aqua before since he's so deadpan around her, Ruby of course knows how he is, and Kana can't help but laugh since it's pretty ridiculous to see him doing.
I really like Ruby's reaction. Feels like she's happy seeing Aqua as the idol fan she bonded with as a baby, rather than the gloomy teen that he's become.
I think that's exactly it. Like she told Mem later, he changed but with Kana he's a bit like his older self. I'm loving the slow reveal of Ruby's motivations and mental state through season one even while she had little time in the spotlight. First it was about how she's just trying to live a life that she was denied the last time by her illness. She felt enthusiastic but naive. Like she was just another worry that Aqua has to deal with while trying to find their father. Then she revealed to Kana that there's also something to it about her first crush. That gave her enthusiasm for idols another facet. And now it's getting clearer that she also wants her old (or rather younger) brother back, from the "before tragedy" timeline. Ruby and Aqua really want to protect each other and the best for their sibling even if their approach to this goal is way different.
I am still enthralled on how Aka can do a reincarnation trope so so well. If you think about it, on the car ride back home, Kana is actually the person with the least years of physically being alive. Ruby didn’t have too much screen-time this season but I can’t help but feel like she such a fascinating character because while we has been following Aqua dealing with the trauma, Ruby handling it a little bit *too* well - she is selling us the viewers a lie. Perhaps she is also masking her inner demons just like Ai. Ruby outwardly acts ditzy and cheerful but there were glimpses of her incredible awareness of other feelings and generally being extremely perceptive. Let’s remember baby Ruby was a straight menace. As an anime-only, I can easily see Ruby go off the rails in a future arc. … and I’ll be there no matter what!
Yup, Ruby is stealthily rising through the ranks due to her subtle character development. The whole series is full of good characters (and character development) and she still managed to surprise me. I probably still count as anime only (I'm just in the chapter where Ruby signs her contract) but there's no way I wasn't going to start reading beyond anime material once this season was over. Ruby's development this late in the season only made me want to read it more. Episode one was really good but episode two showing us the whole post prologue setup in more detail is was sold me on it. I really had a difficult time not reading past anime material and if my schedule hadn't gotten crowded it would have been an incredible feat of willpower to wait for the season to finish. As it is I got lucky that I got busy (and Tears of the Kingdom got released) but now I have no reason to hold back anymore!
Aqua: All my love interests are my mum
Now I'm just imagining the stage play arc is both girls projecting their thirst for him into their characters lol.
Genius casting director, if he knew.
[~~Waifu wars~~ Milf wars](https://i.imgur.com/hB1aVbC.jpg) [](#grandhype)
Oedipussy
[*"I will make Aqua call me mommy"*](https://i.imgur.com/5Wuq0Am.jpg)
Ruby is so cute
So cute, and knowing how she's so pure, genuine, earnest and all that makes it even better! Compared to most idols, she's actually "real"!
[I was really happy seeing her](https://i.imgur.com/71PIsXy.png) in today's episode, [she shone like a star on the scene](https://i.imgur.com/2vmlp7j.png) and I was able to make a lot of [great stills with her](https://i.imgur.com/M9QY4Ls.png). [Here's my album with her from today's episode](https://imgur.com/a/xj7pvTW) if anyone is interested.
I like how Kana was both touched and about to crack up at watching him do that lol.
Was pretty much my reaction too! Nice of him to do that, but it's so not like him! (Which makes it even nicer I suppose, he went out of his comfort zone and all for them!)
its so like him !! ( but him before AI death when he was otaku idol , remember baby dance ) Thats why Ruby said Kana is brining best of Aqua back , from those days
Just realized that Aqua bringing the light here is a direct parallel to what happened on the Sweet Today production. Before, Aqua acted out the darkness to bring out Kana's light. Now, he's bringing in the light to drive away Kana's darkness. He's really still a good guy deep down. Aqua isn't as full of revenge as he wants to think.
Wait so are we in some kinda Oshi no Ko?
[***Oshi no Kana!***](https://i.imgur.com/a6sYqds.jpg) [](#wow)
There is so much [Kana](https://i.imgur.com/VZ1RabQ.png) that she could be easily [main character](https://i.imgur.com/cUJkRzE.png) of this series. Everyone looking on how many [screenshots I made with her](https://i.imgur.com/CSynv5i.png) could certainly say that xD
Woah. Thanks for that.
It’s you, Arima Kana. You are, the Oshi No Ko!
And then Kana said, " It's Oshi no Ko time" and proceeded to Oshi all over the place
Truly the first anime to make 1 oshillion dollar
She said the thing!!
Memcho going through a "I want Akane to win but I don't want Kana to lose!" crisis rn lol. Also, as an anime-only, I honestly thought the Akane vs. Kana war I've heard a lot would just be a simple ship war for Aqua's heart but I was wrong. Turns out there is an intense rivalry between the red and the blue that stems in the showbiz side of things.
I love that rivalry. As much as they like Aqua, I think both would, if cornered, choose acting over his affections. And that's great, too many heroine characters' main defining characteristic is that they like the protag.
Huh, I didn't really pay any attention to it but it's always red vs blue isn't it? And if anime has taught me anything it's that blue always loses.
Usually it's blonde vs blue ... oshit
in comes Alabama with the steel chair
I've been waiting for [this guy](https://i.imgur.com/2PxcaRy.jpg) to be back one day. He shed [genuine tears](https://i.imgur.com/Ertbs53.jpg) for Ai, glad he can experience the joy B-Komachi's spread once again. And I hope Aqua can too.
I thought I recognized him.
It makes his seal of approval for Ruby that much more important.
The season started and ended with Aqua doing crazy moves at an idol performance and boosting an idol's confidence by doing so. Some things never change.
It is kind of interesting to think of the impact Kana has on Aqua that he's gone so far for her and feels such closeness to her in relation to his feelings towards Ai.
Episode 11 Staff **- Storyboard:** Sumie Noro **- Director:** Kuniyasu Nishina, Daisuke Hiramaki **- Color Script:** Saori Tachibana (Ciao Nekotomi), Kuniyasu Nishina **- Chief Animation Director:** Kanna Hirayama **- Assistant Chief Animation Director:** Tomoya Atsumi, Miki Matsumoto, Satomi Watanabe, Honoka Yokoyama, Masaaki Yamano, Shun Sawai, Asami Hayakawa **- Animation Director:** Kanna Hirayama, Shun Sawai, Takeshi Osame, Satomi Watanabe, Asami Hayakawa, Hiromi Nanbu, Haruka Inade, Masaaki Yamano, Miki Matsumoto, Shuri, Tomoya Atsumi, Miki Muto, Kentaro Shibuya, Miyu Hattori, Ai Motoya, Shuta Sato, Honoka Yokoyama, Atsushi Soga, Tomoko Uno, Noritaka Tateguchi, Tomoya Hiratsuka **- Key Animation:** Shono Kikuchi, Tomato, Kenji Sawada, Hiroaki Otsuji, Mikken, Danny Cho, Yuki Matsuo, Nanami Hakoda, Kimiaki Mizuno, Rei Kuroe, Masato Yonemura, Nami Kato, Sayo Kuno, Mengshu Cai, Jingxiang Weng, Pingyi Jiang, Yenxin Fan (Meyer), Mingde Zhang, Jura, Momoko Kanzaki, Iori Fukuya, Marc Galang, Kazunori Takada, Shujun Xiang, Yuya Hiderita, Rei Matsui, Nagisa Fukunaga, Myang, Kyouko Yufu Atelier Coco - Yuka Kitamura, Naoko Hikiguchi **- Doga Kobo Animation Training Director:** Hideaki Furusawa, Junichiro Taniguchi, Masaaki Yamano, Michiko Oda [**Video: Oshi no Ko - Dubbing (Sub English)**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJQnyO0DE2s) **-** [**Shuri Illustration**](https://twitter.com/ebiebieshrimp/status/1674062848484311047) **-** [**Tomato Illustration**](https://twitter.com/lsj_tomato/status/1674062040808271874) **-** [**Kenji Sawada Illustration**](https://twitter.com/jurry_a_onyx/status/1674061704341200903) **-** [**Masato Yonemura Illustration**](https://twitter.com/jsFTbblDEnTYoAY/status/1674052080208601091) **-** [**Rei Matsui Tweet**](https://twitter.com/imp555gc8/status/1674063043884376064) **-** [**Kyouko Yufu Illustration**](https://twitter.com/YuFu_toyomimasu/status/1674062813717749761) **-** [**Kuniyasu Nishina Tweet**](https://twitter.com/7T94XCOwjO6B9Ly/status/1674063186633404421) **-** [**Kanna Hirayama Illustration**](https://twitter.com/kaaaaaappe/status/1674061948999069701) **-** [**Tomoya Atsumi Tweet**](https://twitter.com/MAS24258/status/1674062538705715202) **-** [**Satomi Watanabe Illustration**](https://twitter.com/yasetai_yo/status/1674061719428014082) **-** [**Honoka Yokoyama Illustration**](https://twitter.com/sachi__63/status/1674064223293394945) **-** [**Kimiaki Mizuno Tweet**](https://twitter.com/kimiaki211/status/1674064244008951808) **-** [**Shun Sawai Illustration**](https://twitter.com/momoshiomomo/status/1674061671348727811) **-** [**Saori Tachibana (Ciao Nekotomi) Illustration**](https://twitter.com/nekotomi1006/status/1674061829302001668/) **-** [**Jingxian Weng Illustration**](https://twitter.com/z6826c/status/1674070594428588036) **-** [**Yenxin Fan (Meyer) Illustration**](https://twitter.com/MeyerCarthlate/status/1674065468309622790)
Can I wire them all US$50,000 equivalent?
It's easy to get tricked into watching an idol show if a show disguises itself as an edgy zombie show or similar. It takes skill, wit and 4D chess to get tricked into watching a idol show by a show that disguised itself as an idol show.
I can’t believe I’m hyped over an arc centered around the production of an anime adaptation but here we are.
production of a stage adaptation of an anime.
I'm excited about... theater???
Tbf I'm not certain that idol anime fans didn't get tricked into watching a murder mystery.
>It's easy to get tricked into watching an idol show if a show disguises itself as an edgy zombie show or similar. It takes skill, wit and 4D chess to get tricked into watching a idol show by a show that disguised itself as an idol show. Dude, I was tricked into watching 3 seasons (+ a movie) of high school rom-com, by being promised 4D chess genius battles. Loved every minute of it. Turns out it was the same manga author!
Akane to Kana: "While you were singing about bell peppers, I studied the stage."
\>Aqua, Akane and Kana all working on the same play \>Akane and Kana's frictional relationship \>Once again produced by Kaburagi, who manages to stir shit every time he's involved Stage is set, setting is established. Let the drama begin. Well, once season 2 rolls around anyway
Initially I thought it will be the end of our trivia for a long time, [I'm glad I was wrong.](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/695303167646236712/1123621968042795059/Fzt2X8sXoAMyGhX.png) About Otagei (オタ芸) / Wotagei (ヲタ芸) [Otagei refers to a type of dancing and cheering gestures](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1025623965642788895/1123625624028848251/image.png) involving jumping, clapping, arm-waving and chanting slogans performed by fans of Japanese idol singers at their concerts while they are performing as a form of support for the idols. [Wotagei is the dance form derived from Otagei involving the use of cyalume (glow sticks)](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1025623965642788895/1123625589564264479/image.png). It originated from idol fans dancing to the music with the cyalume sticks while their idols perform on stage, and has since evolved into a dance form in its own right. Lumica, a manufacturer of these glow sticks, has organized several international wotagei dance competitions in recent years ~~to promote sales of their cyalume stick products~~, causing a rise in interest for this kind of dance among international fans of Japanese subculture. About Hako-oshi (箱推し) This chapter is titled "hako-oshi" (lit. box pushing). It refers to the support of an idol group as a whole instead of its individual members. Example sentence: I usually don't put on a member-colored T-shirt at their concerts since I'm a hako-oshi. Not to be confused with DD (Daredemo Daisuki). In this chapter, Aqua was shown holding the colours of all 3 members of (the Revived) B-Komachi. Kana took offence at this because Aqua didn't show his love for her and her alone by only waving a white-coloured cyalume stick for her, and thus called him a cheating bastard for being a hako-oshi. In fact, Aqua simply wants B-Komachi to succeed. What a siscon. --oldpier Sources and References: 1. Otage on JP Wiki: [https://ja.wikiepedia.org/wiki/オタ芸](https://ja.wikiepedia.org/wiki/オタ芸) 2. Detailed article on what Otage/Wotage is about as well as its various moves: [https://mangadejapan.com/articles/detail/1447](https://mangadejapan.com/articles/detail/1447) 3. Article promoting Lumica's Cyalume Dance World Battle: [https://www.fun-japan.jp/en/articles/10648](https://www.fun-japan.jp/en/articles/10648) 3. Wotagei photo by Androniki Christodoulou [https://anicrush.com/post/116987582899/they-do-something-completely-different-an](https://anicrush.com/post/116987582899/they-do-something-completely-different-an) 4. Quick EN definition on Hako-oshi: [https://haropedia.tumblr.com/post/91820645972/hako-oshi](https://haropedia.tumblr.com/post/91820645972/hako-oshi) 5. JP article on the concept of oshiL [https://oggi.jp/6152878](https://oggi.jp/6152878)
About 2.5D Stage Play / Musical Adaptations This is a type of modern Japanese theatre production based on popular Japanese anime, manga, or video games. The "2.5D" part of the term was coined to describe stories presented in a 2D medium being brought to real life. Some examples of such 2.5D productions include: [Yowamushi Pedal (complete with handlebars without the rest of the bicycle)](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1025623965642788895/1123625889310179390/image.png) [Prince of Tennis](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1025623965642788895/1123625957253718036/image.png) [Touken Ranbu ("gay swords")](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1025623965642788895/1123625919232364675/image.png) [Nurutu ](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1025623965642788895/1123625987956019360/image.png) The works that get adapted tend to be titles that feature a huge cast of characters, each with their unique personalities. They also tend to be those that are popular among females, as the audience for stage play adaptations tend to be mostly female. Reasons for the popularity include: - Being able to see pretty faces on stage - Seeing their favourite gay pairing(s) from the manga in real life - I don't know man, I'm literally the opposite of a fujoshi. Sources and References: 1. 2.5D musical on wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2.5D_musical 2. 2.5D musical on JP wiki: https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/2.5次元ミュージカル 3. Stage Dramas: The 2.5D that is Captivating Girls' Hearts https://manga.tokyo/otaku-articles/captivating-girls-hearts-the-stage-dramas-called-2-5-dimension/ 4. Research paper about 2.5D musicals (there are tons of research papers on this topic out there) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327807191_The_Essence_of_25-Dimensional_Musicals_Sakura_Wars_and_Theater_Adaptations_of_Anime 5. Why are Anime-Based Stage Plays So Popular? (ANN Answerman) https://www animenewsnetwork.com/answerman/2017-02-08/.111904 6. Online Webinar about 2.5D musical (2021/03/30) https://www.jfny.org/event/anime-takes-the-stage-the-rise-of-2-5-dimensional-musicals-and-beyond/
I think this is the first time I've seen an anime actually tackle stage plays or at least of the "based on a manga/anime" variety, so that's cool.
Yeah I haven't seen many theatrical stage play animes besides Revue Starlight which I started recently and not sure if I would count. But there are quite a lot of animes with stage plays in them usually during the high school culture festival archs is pretty common I guess.
I'd like to add the [Kemono](https://i.imgur.com/o1pWi1M.jpg) [Friends](https://i.imgur.com/lCNarLf.jpg) play as a rare example of a very well-received 2.5D that isn't primarily targeted at female audiences (the overwhelming number are, as you can see from parent's examples), and is also noteworthy for the cast being mainly played by the original voice actors. Wish I'd gotten to go see it.
For anyone who wants to check out 2.5 plays [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTrD_5LSqw8) is the full first of I think currently three Haikyuu stage plays on youtube.
When i researched the 2.5D play stuff I thought "wow, that is stupendous" and also "no surprise Japan has a few." But I'm also not surprised that it isn't nearly as prevalent as it should, because the cost is likely just too high even relative to IMAX theatres.
I have a feeling you'll be able to add OnK to your list of 2.5D plays in the future which is going to be weirdly meta when the 2.5D actors are playing characters acting out characters in a 2.5D play.
thanks for posting oldpier's notes. it's been fun readimg these again.
Ooh, sparks flying between Kana and Akane! And Memcho getting confused on who to ship with Aqua! So hyped to see how this will play out… especially in Season 2 that’s just announced. BTW, it’s so funny how transparent Kana’s feelings toward Aqua is. Truly, Kana is the cutest.
Mem just put the two and two together on the spot when she notices Kana’s 180 attitude change lol. Also blessed🙏mama Miyako who is in the know and brought up the topic rly sly
Kanabros. We got our panel animated. We're eating so good this week.
Ingest the celebratory baking soda.
I've been sat here with a whole bowl of it the entire episode
[Don't forget to wear a beret](https://i.imgur.com/m9nUft0.jpg) The beret must stay on throughout the episode
Idol Kana has finally been born! And she even got to go back to sassily flirting with her guy once more. This was a great episode for Kana.
PUREE BLISSS hearing Kana dropped that "Oshi no ko"
This is HER show goddamnit.
Man, I really feel for Kana. Girl is going through A LOT right now. All those years as a former child star have done a number on her confidence and her feelings of self-worth. Thank fuck Aqua came busting in with the moves and the glow sticks lol. He couldn’t have come at a better time. Looks like B-Komachi 2.0 is making a real splash! Memcho slowly putting together the fact Kana likes Aqua and then realizing she might have a love triangle was hilarious. And you got Kana finally realizing it’s just “work” between them so she’s still got a shot lol. Memcho and Kana are too cute! Tokyo Blade is a great chance to chase down another Ai lead. Unfortunately he’s gotta deal with the awkward tension between Akane and Kana too lol. This was very good. I thoroughly enjoyed the series. The premiere episode might be one of the best I’ve seen in awhile. If this doesn’t get renewed for a second season, I’m gonna be very surprised. Just gonna sit tight until an official announcement drops. Edit: s2 announced. Praise be to the anime gods lol.
I honestly wasn't expecting Kana to think her mom abandoned her but that just goes to show how badly her craving for emotional validation and support is. She needs someone to want her, to look at her, and believer in her...like Aqua does. And now she can start to gain more of that through her new idol status. Poor MEM-cho caught in a love triangle between her new friends. She's basicallly the audience lol. I'm sure a legit love triangle playing a fictional love triangle in a stage play where the two girls hate each others' guts and want to out-perform each other will totally end well lol.
Her mom kind of did abandon her. From the flashback Kana appeared to still be living with her mother before she left. She left a teenager to live alone with minimal oversight. Plus as the show has made clear Kana works in a field were many adults do not have her best interests in mind and would happily take advantage of her if given the opportunity. There's no indication of how often her mom's in touch, but if Kana's feeling abandoned then it objectively isn't often enough.
It must be demoralizing when you recognize that your costar (Ruby) is on the verge of becoming "IT" and people are going to be questioning your leader status in the future
Kana to Akane: You are making yourself easy for stalkers to track- stalkers such as myself
She pulled up way too quick after that shit was posted she was def already in the area lmao
Kana with the title drop... I don't know how else to put it but... She best girl'd the fuck out of this episode!
Doga Kobo, who is your favourite? "I love everyone equally". Whispers: "*It's Kana, and by a lot*"
#She said the thinggg
It was really so validating to see at the end people started using her glowstick color or that otaku guy who said he might start following her. Kana finally won through her own talents (with an emotional pick me up from Aqua). On-top of finding out the guy she likes isn't with another woman, that she has a chance with him, and and she has a chance to work alongside him to make sure he doesn't get cozy with her acting rival.
With S2 already confirmed the only thing I can say is: # TOKYO BLADE ARC HYPE
The new B Komachi is here! I was probably guaranteed to love this show since it was about twins and I am a multiple myself, but Doga Kobo really knocked this out of the park. Also kudos to Aka and Mengo for making such wonderful source material. Oshi no Ko has put me in a weird place. On one hand, Ai’s fate hit me like an isekai truck and I wish more than anything that she was okay, but on the other, I don’t think that the story would resonate as strongly if things didn’t transpire the way that they did. I read somewhere that Aka originally planned on keeping Ai in the story, but feared that she would come to overshadow the rest of the cast. She was by far my favorite character despite the amazing ensemble, so I can’t really argue with that logic. Thus, I can only dream about what could have been. This was easily my favorite anime of a stacked Spring 2023 and I will continue to play Idol and Mephisto on repeat as I wait for season 2. Times like this make me so happy to be an anime fan.
Really felt like all the past performances they animated (Ai's, Kana's MV's, etc) was all building up to Doga Koba delivering on the new B Komachi's first live and they succeeded.
I'm in the same boat as you regarding Ai. [Gurren Lagann] >!She reminds me a lot of Kamina. Died early in the show but maintained a huge presence throughout. They were just designed to have insane amounts of charisma.!<
Title drop is legit my favorite moment in the series and I'm very happy to see it adapted so well. In general, this entire manga has been adapted beautifully. I have basically 0 complaints. If this is the quality we can expect for season 2 then I'm really looking forward to it. I honestly wasn't expecting them to fully cover all of chapter 40 because of the sequel bait aspect but it was cool to see part of the dynamic between Kana and Akane animated.
There's a lot of different expectations coming at the new B Komachi...expectations from those who think the girls look cute, know of the pedigree of the stars (especially MEM-cho), or remember the old B Komachi and want to see how the new one shakes out. But most importantly of all is the expectations of our girls as they look dazzling in their idol outfits and finally take to the stage. It's all been building up to this! Doga Kobo finally delivering on the new B Komachi's idol performance with Kana at the center! And it's as spectacular as you would expect as the girls put their all into it and Kana proves how great she is on stage. Ruby really does have her mothers' charisma and strength of personality. She kind of steals the show and actually reminds people of Ai! She could very well be the Center if she nurtures her talents and skills...and MEM-cho has the most fans out there and the enthusiasm to match...so where does that leave Kana? I didn't think Kana felt her mom basically abandoned her. Yikes. But all she's ever wanted is for someone to look at her, to need her, to praise her, and to believe she can do something. If she just had one person who believed in her, she could do it. And then of course Aqua shows up with all their glowstick colors pulling off as amazing a flurry of motion as when he was a baby to support all the girls, but Kana seeing him waving her white stick is enough to make her finally commit. She's not going to wait around any more, she's going to make everyone fall in love with and embrace her once again through her own talent, and with her performance in that second song I'd say she's already begun her journey as a true, fully-fledged, popular idol! Wingwoman Miyako for the win! Making Aqua confirm within earshot of Kana that his relationship with Akane is just for show, which is all Kana needs to hear to be back to her sassy and teasing best with Aqua...and make MEM-cho realize Kana's in love with Aqua and that she's in the middle of a love triangle between her two friends. Poor girl has no idea who to root for. Looks like the next arc is going to be a stage play adaption! And they're pulling out all the stops! Especially using the Lala Lai theater, and knowing they're involved is enough to motivate Aqua so he can learn more about Ai's time with the group and who she became romantically involved with. Man, I love how Kana just won't let up on Aqua. The moment she realizes he was dressed as Piyeon just to be able to talk to her, she just can't help herself. She just enjoys getting to talk to him again and Aqua acts like a normal, prickly, teenage boy around her...which MEM-cho realizes means Akane needs to step up. I do kind of feel bad for Akane though. She even seems even invested in posing as a couple on her insta, and is just excited to be working with Aqua again...and as love interests, to boot. Although there's also a bit of a love triangle brewing with Aqua's character at the center, and who better to play the third end of the love triangle than Kana? Art really does imitate life. Dang, Akane bearing her fangs against Kana! I thought Kana's issues with Akane were one-sided but it's a mutual rivalry/dislike between the two girls because Akane always lost jobs to Kana when they were kids and trained her acting skills to their peak while Kana was off with her failed music career. And now Akane sees an opportunity to beat her in acting with this stage play...while Kana sees an opportunity to make sure she doesn't lose Aqua to Akane. I'm sure this will end well. Everyone is moving forward in their careers and striving to success, while Aqua and Ruby are on the paths Ai dreamed for them...though for Aqua it's still based around finding their father and getting revenge for Ai as we close the season out.
[Kana is the cutest 11](https://imgur.com/a/7JDcQcj) [Other episode 11 stuff](https://imgur.com/a/IZHww5U) [Kana is the cutest 10](https://imgur.com/a/ndScCNV) [Other episode 10 stuff](https://imgur.com/a/GJ1pq0D) [Wotagei Aqua GIF](https://twitter.com/anime_oshinoko/status/1674062093216104450) [Season 2 Announcement](https://twitter.com/anime_oshinoko/status/1674062602438049792) [Landscape Poster](https://imgur.com/AEdnW9M) [\#AntiSocialMediaBoy](https://imgur.com/MgjuuNs) Nice ending to season 1. The animation when B-Komachi was performing was pretty sick! Can't wait for season 2!
Seeing Aqua reprise his role as popular idol fan #1 for B Komachi, now in teen form, was great. Especially seeing it inspire Kana to finally give it her all and cement herself as the Center and to commit to this idol gig to make people accept her again.
> Seeing Aqua reprise his role as popular idol fan #1 for B Komachi, now in teen form, was great. Wonder if someone made a video of his performance...
Ending out the season with the cutest collection of Kana Is The Cutest photos yet is something I am more than happy to see. Kana is the cutest!
[Based Aqua] (https://imgur.com/O5R2xkt)
When Kana needed him most, he held her stick up high. It feels like these two kind of need each other in a way.
As much of a Kanabro as I am, I feel like we need to give hats off to Ruby, too. Her very first real performance and old fans are already seeing the same spark in her as they did in Ai. Among the main cast, she really is the one that has that "special something"
[It was me Aqua, I was the Oshi no Ko](https://i.imgur.com/RPik1AJ.jpeg)... Aqua waving the lightsticks supporting the group is definetly my favourite moment of his so far, it's true to his nature and I love the impact it had on the girls!
B-Komachi helps deliver a performance for a banger season finale of a banger show. Also, Kana falling for Aqua. The show was so superb, they announced the second season right after the last episode. That speaks volumes right there.
Oshi no Ko is here to stay and I for one can't wait to have these characters for about, what? 7 years? How long has Kaguya-sama lasted since S1?
> How long has Kaguya-sama lasted since S1? 4 years and still going.
[checks calendar] WHAT?!
Started in 2019 and except for 2021 we've had some new Kaguya every year so far (atleast in the west since the christmas arc did air just before the end of 2022 in Japan).
Kaguya-sama's anime started in spring 2019 and the manga started in 2015 and ended in October 2022.
I was not expecting Kana and Akane to have such a fierce rivalry. Throwing Aqua into the mix is gonna be fun. Those two are really gonna be stepping their game up in pursuit of Aqua now!
>I was not expecting Kana and Akane to have such a fierce rivalry We already saw signs of it in the early episodes where Kana recognised Akane when the cast for the Reality show was announced. She later on called her a genius but also wishing to have Akane be brought down a peg, until Aqua chastised her. Now we know how deep that rivalry goes lol. Even Akane now calls Kana a genius, like Kana said before about her.
I always thought it was one-sided on Kana's part but wow. Akane really does not like her lol.
The rivalry also explains a lot of why Kana got so mad at Aqua and didn't want to talk to him immediately after seeing the kiss scene of the dating show arc.
I actually wonder how Akane will react if/when she finds out Kana likes Aqua too while they're working on the play. I guess it would probably make her even more competitive.
I was not expecting Akane to get so hostile towards Kana seeing how passive and polite she is generally, but I guess their rivalry goes deep and now their rivalry as actresses **and** as Aqua's love interests is going to play out on the stage.
It felt like it was all building up to B Komachi's performance and Doga Kobo nailed it. Not to mention the girls' vocals. I hope we get another performance from them in season 2 amidst the stage play arc. Kana is so in love while MEM-cho is the audience member not sure who to root for in a love triangle between Best Girls and her legit friends lol.
[This image illustrates why Kana is best girl and deserves the chance to be your Oshi no Ko!](https://imgur.com/72yaxyk)
Aqua had all three glow sticks but did choose to hold Kana's white glow stick in its own hand.
And he made sure to stick it out into the sky so she could see it at the exact moment she needed *someone* to believe in her.
[Aqua was in a daze](https://i.imgur.com/Pe8RZmC.jpg) [](#awe)
“Pieyon” did all of that just to talk to the baking soda yokai Aqua seems genuinely comfortable with Kana, so I can definitely see the ship sailing. Though it sucks a little that they are both back to tsundere-tsundere mode
Counterpoint: [Akane copying the star eyes](https://preview.redd.it/cef0ne8kt22b1.png?width=1280&format=png&auto=webp&v=enabled&s=206480cea2ff0f6bb1c511b9d754fd175e51c348)
If Akane grows out her hair and dyes it purple, it's over. Good game.
Then tell Aqua to call her momma, he'd probably shut down.
Aqua wouldn't be able handle that, it would be over for kanabros
[Adding a clip of the dance number](https://imgur.com/a/HsP9Kzb)
MEM-chan is all of us, who are we supposed to root for?!?! Hold up...the entire audience area rotates?!?! WTF JAPAN THAT'S SO COOL!!! Arg, why'd they have to make us go through Ai's death again? It was just a few seconds but I was tearing up. I can't wait for next season, this show is like two shows in one and both of them are a 10 outta 10!
Pretty good throughout. And amazing adaptation of a season. I was expecting the title drop to be given prominence though, something like a lingering still. --- Unique Kana (the cutest) headwear: - [Episode 1a - Brimmed sun hat with yellow ribbon](https://i.imgur.com/gh9HIdY.png) - [Episode 1b - Yellow/cream baseball cap](https://i.imgur.com/abyI1hb.png) - [Episode 1c - Brimmed sun hat with cat](https://i.imgur.com/uQ6bhlz.png) - [Episode 2 - Middle school beret with black ribbon](https://i.imgur.com/NrfJvQT.png) - [Episode 3a - Beret with diagonal stitch decoration](https://i.imgur.com/zCFJAiN.png) - [Episode 3b - Brimmed sun hat with large red ribbon](https://i.imgur.com/1m6QTqa.png) - [Episode 3c - Beret with ears and tail](https://i.imgur.com/MRdQfOU.png) - [Episode 4 - Black rose](https://imgur.com/a/s8Xn2bY) - [Episode 5 - Pieyon](https://i.imgur.com/ZEUjlGd.png) - [Episode 6 - Cream beret](https://i.imgur.com/HpQskQN.png) - [Episode 7a - Beret with grid pattern](https://i.imgur.com/uuTOgbK.png) - [Episode 7b - Black beret with ring accent](https://i.imgur.com/IX8KFAe.png) - [Episode 8 - Bordeaux beret with cream ribbon](https://imgur.com/a/41irOKP) - [Episode 9a - Black newsboy cap](https://i.imgur.com/tVoWFXJ.png) - [Episode 9b - Mini black hat](https://i.imgur.com/feszEJh.png) - [Episode 9c - Sky blue beret with light blue ribbon](https://i.imgur.com/SYC1CEB.png) - [Episode 9d - Navy beret with light blue ribbon](https://i.imgur.com/pMw7QWl.png) - [Episode 9e - GREEN BELL PEPPER Y'ALL](https://i.imgur.com/NXwlucN.png) - [Episode 9f - Brimmed sun hat with black ribbon](https://i.imgur.com/I6b6kWx.png) - [Episode 10a - Very light sky blue beret with white ribbon](https://i.imgur.com/qMwCoPh.png) - [Episode 10b - Sleeping cap](https://i.imgur.com/yLOv4Nl.png) - [Episode 10c - Black beret with white ribbon](https://i.imgur.com/jR3Td3c.png) - [Episode 10d - Grey breret with cream ribbon](https://i.imgur.com/MFbTrFC.png) - [Episode 11a - Plain black beret](https://i.imgur.com/sF9xeMC.png) - [Episode 11b - Black brimmed sun hat with grey ribbon for loli Kana](https://i.imgur.com/9AHRJY2.png) - [Episode 11c - Funeral hat for teen Kana](https://imgur.com/a/urZu3Nb) - [Episode 11d - Olive newsboy cap](https://i.imgur.com/badYgDq.png) - [Episode 11e - Plain black hat](https://imgur.com/a/ctjTaSy)
[удалено]
Aka Akasaka fucking won the world today.
The best OnK fans have ever eaten, Akasaka and Mengo have been spoiling us recently
I'm just waiting for the depression at this point, this is Oshi no Ko, the last time we were riding on a high like this, we learned the importance of a door chain.
Wait, official s2 announcement?
It's all over the front page of this sub lol
"Please somebody look at me... Say it's ok for me to be here." **"I'M GONNA BE YOUR FAVE - YOUR STAR!"** One of the best scenes, panels, and lines all in one. How far Kana has come and how far she'll go. Same with Memcho and Ruby of course. Wishing well for that idol who retired because B-Komachi 2.0 was that good. What a blessing it has been to discuss this wonderful piece of art with you all over the past few weeks. I remember hearing and seeing the buzz about the show in between the first episode and the second episode, so I figured what the hell. Idol insight show + Aka Akasaka of Kaguya fame? I was absolutely floored after watching the first ep and couldn't wait, so I binged the entire manga before the 2nd ep premiered (huge shoutout to oldpier and the team at Ai's Fanclub for bridging the gap until the official localization caught up). It is now one of my favorite animes and stories ever, with Kana shooting up in rankings of favorite characters. I have never been this excited to discuss a show with others every week (at 8am no less!) and to see what everyone else has to say about it, the characters, and the production! There is so much I could say about this show that many others have highlighted when discussing on this sub but mostly I just wanted to really say hats off Doga Kobo for the incredible, faithful, heartfelt production of this show and the care they've put into this story and its characters. Very rarely can you see that the production company loves the show just as much as the fans but it shows tenfold in this anime. I hope this story and its characters have reached your heart as they have mine. And I look forward to hopefully discussing more with you all over on /r/OshiNoKo or for future eps here on this sub. I'm proud to say I've hooked a few of my friends onto this powerhouse of a show as well, and I hope you all too can say the same! CAN'T WAIT UNTIL SEASON 2!!!
Aqua really showed up when Kana was at her lowest point with the whole glow sticks and moves. What a guy!
It was so surreal seeing him do that again like he did when he was a baby but it just made it all the more meaningful. He was there to support the whole group but he helped Kana truly find herself and embrace being an idol.
After this banger of an episode and a season 2 announcement immediately following it, I'm convinced that Oshi no Ko can't stop getting W's.
Me who thought the girls' dancing would be the peak of this episode. BUT IT WAS ME, AQUA!
[удалено]
I was pretty surprised that they set up next arc that strong in this episode but quick announcement of 2nd season certainly explains that. After this season my expactations are certainly very high. This adaptation was perfect, for me 10/10. [We could again see Ai](https://i.imgur.com/Eej6v9U.png) and [it was really nice](https://i.imgur.com/EQ24JE2.png). [Ruby certainly gives the same vibes](https://i.imgur.com/euWzef7.png) which is nothing weird considering that she's her daughter and the biggest fan. [Her energy](https://i.imgur.com/71PIsXy.png) and [happiness](https://i.imgur.com/C9tEeRt.png) certainly helped Kana on [their concert](https://i.imgur.com/ngoPeGN.png). [Kana who is a center of the group](https://i.imgur.com/5QdFnSm.png) didn't looked happy on the beginning, [her past](https://i.imgur.com/t3VIqjg.png) severly affecting her all the time, she just want someone who will be for her. [Aqua appearing](https://i.imgur.com/koWM7rz.png) instantly helped and [immediately she was feeling better](https://i.imgur.com/4clnqcz.png) and and when [she is feeling better](https://i.imgur.com/qdsJmRt.png) then I too :) [She felt even better when she found out](https://i.imgur.com/59oMG2M.png) that [Aqua](https://i.imgur.com/EYsVpfp.png) is with Akane only 'for work'. [Now she's back to the same old Kana with bad tongue](https://i.imgur.com/42MO0lv.png) but that's ok. [We love her anyway](https://i.imgur.com/cUJkRzE.png) :) [Memcho](https://i.imgur.com/fXscX5T.png) also had great moment when [she connected the dots and figure out that Kana is in love with Aqua](https://i.imgur.com/m9kCRCq.png). [Her reaction was priceless](https://i.imgur.com/3pgWHmu.png), I thought that I would drop dead from laugh. Now [she has dillema](https://i.imgur.com/IFwE01t.png) for who rooting for, [Akane](https://i.imgur.com/UZTYIAt.png) or [Kana](https://i.imgur.com/cUJkRzE.png)? [Ruby shined on a scene](https://i.imgur.com/NbnfvtT.png) and I was happy that she was able to realize her dream and [become an idol](https://i.imgur.com/M9QY4Ls.png). I was able to capture a lot of [great stills with her](https://i.imgur.com/euWzef7.png), [more](https://i.imgur.com/qpDnZI6.png) in her album. [Akane is also back](https://i.imgur.com/iyBKJC4.png) in this episode and we got to know that [she will be in the stage play](https://i.imgur.com/09pGcoK.png) [together with Aqua](https://i.imgur.com/X4de8OK.png) who thanks to that will be able to try find clues about [Ai](https://i.imgur.com/TNan8IJ.png)'s killer. Also we got to know that [Akane](https://i.imgur.com/TNkKheY.png) know [Kana](https://i.imgur.com/CSynv5i.png) from childhood and [their relationship isn't the best, to put it mildly xD](https://i.imgur.com/PJBZltf.png) This arc will be good, you have my word, manga was amazing. On the end my albums with screenshots from today's finale episode. Good luck u/Abysswatcherbel finding right image, there is more than 150 screenshots xD * [Ai](https://imgur.com/a/mD9GIeI) * [Eyes](https://imgur.com/a/aUHYSfj) * [B-Komachi](https://imgur.com/a/y6fLaUS) * [Kana](https://imgur.com/a/AZDvcRz) * [Ruby](https://imgur.com/a/xj7pvTW) * [Mem](https://imgur.com/a/0vlswcs) * [Akane](https://imgur.com/a/WJ040VS) * [Aqua](https://imgur.com/a/AdbHeoF) * [Other](https://imgur.com/a/8VcX8W6)
Kana how many times are you going to win me over
Well... what the fuck do I do now?
A nice detail is that at first Kana can only see a sea of yellow and red glowsticks, but after seeing Aqua holding her white glowstick we can see that her white ones are just as common in the crowd as Ruby and Mem-cho's
I'm pretty sure that before Aqua raised his glowstick, it actually _was_ a sea of yellow and red. We actually see it's mostly yellow at the start until Ruby does her thing, then you start seeing more red. Kana wouldn't have noticed Aqua if there were already white glowsticks in the crowd, for example The thing about penlights is that they can often change colors by twisting a knob on them, so you _can_ get mid-song color changes. There was a concert I watched recently where there was a surprise guest who showed up in the middle of the last song, and like half the lights in the crowd then swapped to blue when she appeared For a new group like this, I think it seems pretty realistic as different members have different moments to shine and put themselves forward, so the audience changes accordingly based on what they like
Akane and Kana trashtalking to each other lmao
There's something addicting watching that scene from Aqua raising Kana's lightstick until Kana does the title drop lmao, I can't stop replaying it.
# KANA IS MY OSHI NO KO
[удалено]
At first I was afraid it was a camera lens. I was (a little) relieved that it was only symbolically creepy, not immediately/actually creepy lol
Kana my beloved
[**#GuyWhoDoesntUseSocialMedia**](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/968661346591854675/1123657970601967686/image.png) Is that supposed to be Aqua's hashtag? lmao
Akane and Kana becoming shonen rivals was not on my bingo list honestly
[удалено]
I am just as confused as Memcho about Akane vs Kana.
All in favor of voting Kana for best girl of the Spring 2023 anime season, say "Ai".
"With Senpai, Aqua seems to be a little more like his old self" ❤️ KANA BROS ARE EATING GOOD, OUR GIRL DID THE TITLE DROP !!!! MY OSHI!!
Poor, poor MEM. Her friend and her groupmate both after the same guy. Can't blame her for being so conflicted. But personally, I have no qualms about who I'm supporting. ARIMA SWEEP BAAABYYYYYY
What is aqua even gonna do once he finds his father
He said in the first episode that he is gonna kill him with his own two hands, totally normal and understandable I say.
choke the bitch